This ambitious undertaking is a report on research into government policies on access to literacy and the practical experience of literacy access in four sample sites across the country. The report is dense with ideas, an excellent model of careful research, and is so unusually respectful of both students and literacy teachers that it makes welcome reading. The academic style is offset by the fact that the author does not mince words. She writes: “When it is considered that students and their families are required to make extraordinary sacrifices to attend programs which may simply abandon them, it must be acknowledged that the ramifications of [enrolment-based funding] are nothing less than tragic” (191).

The writing is excellent, but requires careful reading. The chapters are organized to make previewing easy, with introductions, conclusions and clear headings. Some literacy instructors strongly objected to the use of “illiteracy” in the first chapter. This was not an obstacle for others, including me, as the material was not intended for students, and overall, the research and report were exceptionally respectful of students.

One instructor said that she would like to see the first chapter, which “explore[s] the issue of adult illiteracy in Canada in the current period” given to literacy tutors to read (16). Their reading could be followed with a discussion of the important issues presented such as why seeing literacy primarily as a personal rather than social responsibility has hindered progress at policy, programme and individual levels.

I would recommend this report for literacy workers who are interested in conducting their own research. Chapter II in particular provides good examples of the conscientious attention to detail required to conduct sound research and the creativity needed to gather valid data from students and teachers. I was particularly impressed by the effort made to give students a real understanding of the project, to make their participation personally worthwhile, and to value their contribution.

Also I would recommend the report because the ground the author covers while investigating accessibility could be used as a starting place for examining our own programmes and lobbying for improvements.

I do not recommend the report for anyone looking for a light read. This report deserves close reading.